I’ve noticed that one of the most popular pages on this blog is the page on creating a pitch tendency chart. I have a feeling that what people are really looking for is a chart that will tell them what the pitch tendencies of the flute are, so I thought I would explain why I haven’t provided such a thing, but instead tell you how to create one for yourself.

While there are some pitches on almost all flutes that can be counted on to be sharp or flat intonation-wise (c# in the staff, e and f# above the staff), individual players and different flutes will each have their own tendencies for all the other notes. A note that is flat or sharp for one person may not be for another. And if you play on different flutes for different purposes, especially if you play alto, bass, picc, etc., you will want to chart your tendencies on those flutes as well.

There are two purposes for charting your pitch tendencies. One is so that you will know what your own tendencies are so you can learn to adjust for them. The second is that just by doing the work of charting your tendencies, you become more aware of your tone production and improvement begins almost automatically. This is why I don’t provide a chart of generalized pitch tendencies, because they might not apply to you! So spend a little time, make a nice chart and start measuring your own personal pitch tendencies. You might be surprised at what you find!